The Conference on Applied Mediation (Southern Zone) is a conference jointly organised by the Judicial Appointments Commission and the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court. The aim of the conference was to look at practical aspects of mediation and the possibility of court assisted mediation as an alternative method of dispute resolution made available to litigants. It is offered by the court as a method to settle civil cases in an informal, voluntary and closed manner without having to go through normal court procedures. This method has been found to reduce disagreements as compared to court proceedings, is more private and confidential, saves time and costs and leaves parties more satisfied with the results.

This conference was held from 8 - 10 July 2011 in Johor Bahru. 31 participants from the Judiciary attended, comprising the following:

(i)Six (6) High Court Judges;
(ii)One (1) Judicial Commissioner;
(iii)Three (3) State Court Directors;
(iv)Seven (7) Sessions Court Judges;
(v)Three (3) Deputy Registrars / Senior Assistant Registrars; and
(vi)Six (6) Senior Federal Counsels / Federal Counsels (State) from the Attorney General’s Chambers Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan.

The guest lecturer invited to speak at this conference is Senior Judge Gordon J. Low, Senior Judge of Utah State, United States. He is joined by YA Datuk Wira Low Hop Bing, Judge of the Court of Appeal. Both Judge are well-versed in the field of mediation.